Healthy U is a "Go" for new school year at Hunterdon County YMCA

The HCYMCA joined YMCAs throughout New Jersey in celebrating the annual Healthy U Fall kickoff on Oct. 26.

In New Jersey, one out of every three school age children is either overweight or obese putting them at risk of developing serious health problems later in life. The Healthy U program is the result of a collaboration between The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. Healthy U's goal is to promote healthy behavior and to prevent childhood obesity through more physical activity, family involvement, and nutrition education.

The purpose and goals of the Healthy U annual kickoff events were to:

* Demonstrate the positive, healthy impact of Healthy U

* Introduce new students and their families to the many benefits of Healthy U

* Promote a three-pronged effort to combat childhood obesity through nutrition education, stepped up physical activity and family engagement.

The HCYMCA local kickoff event featured activities at the Child Learning Center, Milford YMCA Preschool and After School Programs. Children participated in outdoor physical activities, mindful activities like yoga, learned about the importance of healthy eating through a variety of resources, and enjoyed a healthy snack. The Healthy U program and activities are integrated into the daily curriculum at the Y programs.

"Healthy U is changing lives for the better," said Robert A. Marino, Horizon BCBSNJ Chairman & CEO and Horizon Foundation Chairman. "Thousands of children who take part in Healthy U each day are learning why proper nutrition and physical activity are so important. These children are leading healthier, more productive lives."

"Celebrating Healthy U is important to raise the awareness of improving the health and well-being of children," said Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director. "Healthy U positively impacts over 90,000 children ages 3 to 13 at 480 YMCA and 90 elementary school sites statewide. Healthy U is a unique asset to YMCA childcare education programming. All evidence indicates that well-nourished active children are more prepared to learn and thrive. We are thrilled to have The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as a strong partner."

Since Healthy U's inception in 2008, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has invested more than $4.7 million to sustain the program through 2019. For more information on this program contact Sue Cornell, Healthy U Director, NJ YMCA State Alliance at sue.cornell@ymca.net or visit www.njymca.org.

The Y is the nation's leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y childcare programs play an important role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn, and helping working families. The Y runs After School Programs in 17 schools throughout Hunterdon County. These programs provide homework help, healthy snacks, mentoring, physical activities, structured safe programming and more.

Thanks to the Annual Campaign, last year the Hunterdon County Y provided over $500,000 in direct financial assistance to individuals and families in need to enable their participation in Y programs. Please give today at www.hcymca.org.